Journalist Graham Hunter has revealed why high profile managers could well manage Celtic soon.
Hunter appeared as a guest on the latest episode of the OTB Football podcast and the panel discussed multiple issues involving the Bhoys. One topic of discussion was the sacking of Neil Lennon and potential replacements for the Northern Irishman. Hunter believes that high profile managers could well end up managing the Bhoys because of Scotland’s recent improvement at a European level.
With Celtic 18 points adrift of league leaders Rangers, Lennon has resigned from his post as the club’s manager. John Kennedy is set to take interim charge of the side, as the Hoops lost 1-0 to Ross County in the Premiership recently (as per BBC Sport).
Hunter believes that while the Scottish Premiership may not be in the best position, progress in European football for the Scottish national team and the Old Firm sides means that high profile managers may be attracted to the vacant Celtic job.
Do you think Celtic will appoint a high profile manager?
Yes
No
The journalist said (4:31): “I think that when it’s revealed who’s in the running, I think you will see serious high profile names. The situation [is] largely I have to say thanks to a backlog of some Celtic qualification, but Rangers’ recent performance in Europe and the Scottish national team’s improvement means that the coefficient has gone up and being in charge of the leading or whatever we do to clubs in Scotland, is going to bring better European football coming in at a late and a better stage of Europa League and the Champions League.
“Much though our league is not in its best shape at the moment, group football in the Champions League is not out of the question and therefore you will find serious coaches, serious managers wishing to be part of that very big club.”
TIF Thoughts on the next Celtic manager…
According to the UEFA website, the coefficient of Scotland has certainly increased since last season and that is certainly a positive for clubs in the country. As a result, Scotland will have two spots in the Champions League next season and two clubs will also play in the Conference (as per BBC Sport).
This could be a positive for Celtic in their chase for a new manager, as it will allow them to attract better managers with higher profiles. Roberto Martinez and Rafa Benitez have been linked with the Parkhead post and the lure of potential Champions League football will help the Hoops hire managers of that level.